Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in Islington

Islington is such a massive area full of interesting people, theatres, art galleries, and my favourite, brunch restaurants! Seriously, anyone who’s just strolling around would eventually, stumble onto an amazing cafe or restaurant.

ou’ve got everything from trendy restaurants to cozy little cafes, and let me tell you, the brunch options are out of this world. I’m talking bottomless mimosas, smashed avo on toast, and pancakes with banana. It is straight up a food lover’s paradise. Here are some of the best ones we’ve been at!

My Picks of the Best Brunch in Highbury, Islington

Ottolenghi

Let’s start off with what many consider as not just the best brunch in Islington but all throughout North London! From sumptuous shakshuka to delectable French toast, Ottolenghi offers a culinary journey through Mediterranean cuisine. The airy and inviting ambiance, coupled with the flavorful dishes, makes it a must-visit for those seeking a unique and flavorful brunch experience.

They also have multiple cookbooks available so you could have a taste of their savoury smoked salmon right from home! But, the best thing about this joint is definitely the decadent cakes and baked goods available, so to anyone who’s got a sweet tooth look no further!

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is famous throughout London but our experience in Islington was a stand out! It’s no surprise that they have an amazing breakfast menu, I mean it’s in the name of the place, so you can expect amazing eggs benedicts, a proper English breakfast plate, and breakfast classics like the banana and salted caramel pancakes!

Of course we had to go in for a second time but now we tried out their brunch options and it did not disappoint! It’s no surprise that a place called “The Breakfast Club” would turn out to be one of the best breakfast spots in Islington!

Megan’s at the Sorting Office (Islington Square)

Megan’s has been the favourite among many of Islington’s locals and for good reason. Normally chain restaurants suffer from a slight dip in quality and service the more branches they have but that is not the case with Megan’s especially this spot near Highbury.

They specialize in a delicious Turkish brunch feast with plenty of vegan dishes on their brunch menu. And if you’re looking for boozy brunch experience then you’ve definitely got to take up their bottomless brunch offer because their prosecco is simply divine! Stand-outs were their freshly made sourdough toast and their halloumi with bread!

Boulangerie Bon Matin

Though this spot isn’t technically an Islington brunch restaurant, it still is, without a doubt one of the best places to get weekend brunch! If you’re willing to travel away from Angel and a bit further off from North Islington you’ll find the best French-style bakery and coffee shop in the area!

With croissants, crêpes, and other French pastries, It’s also home to great brunch food like poached eggs and Italian Sun Brioche. And yes, they have vegan options such as their vegan sausage roll. There’s nothing like a cup of local coffee and a plate of eggs royale to start your day!

The Barn London

Now, The Barn might be a bit hard to spot since, surprise surprise, it’s not actually a bar and could be a bit tiny and unassuming from the outside. But, this is what I consider to be Islington’s best café. It’s got something for everyone to enjoy a nice Sunday brunch, from their all-day breakfast options like scrambled eggs and crushed avocado, to their flavourful coffee and teas.

They also have a speciality “Barn breakfast” that I highly recommend trying out as it’s a great boost and start to your day, it’s packed with flavour and clearly made with love! It’s a homey neighbourhood shop that has earned its right to be with the best brunch spots in Islington.

Urban Social – Brunch

Tucked away on Upper Street is a trendy coffee house that offers great coffee and juices, and a lot of brunch dishes! Great coffee and breakfast plates; we cherished the atmosphere. The salmon social and truffle mushrooms egg croissant were incredibly delicious and unusual in a good way.

Anyone who’s looking for the best Full English breakfast should end their search here, every ingredient is fresh and cooked perfectly! Drinks are also stellar, whether you’re looking to relax with a cup of joe or for some fresh orange juice. Final tip would be to pair your drinks with some fresh avocado feta toast!

The Blue Legume Islington

There is so much on the menu that I would love to try, so I will definitely be back! The portions are generous and the food is delicious. The staff was helpful and understanding with all of our inquiries and dietary requirements, and the decor is gorgeous.

I love the fact that they’re so accommodating with diets; I’m not particularly great with dairy, so it’s great that they have non-dairy options for their coffee. Their eggs benedict are simply amazing and are mainly the reason why we come back time and time again.

Vertige Café

So, I stumbled upon Vertige Café in Islington, and let me tell you, it was a real game-changer for my brunch game. Picture this: a French café just across from Highbury & Islington Tube and Overground station. I mean, talk about convenience!

The best part? The vibe was so chill, I felt like I was brunching in my own living room. The staff were super friendly, and the whole place just had this cool, laid-back French vibe. Plus, the people-watching game was on point.

Fig Tree Cafe

I recently visited Fig Tree Café in Islington, and I must say, it was a real treat! This cozy café is located on Paul’s Road, and it’s known for its delicious sandwiches, salads, and drinks. The atmosphere was so relaxing, with wood interiors and rustic accents, giving it a real hygge vibe.

I tried their fig and almond granola with Greek yogurt, and I must tell you, the flavors were spot-on and the portion sizes were more than generous. It’s a budget-friendly option for a delicious meal. All in all, Fig Tree Café was a delightful experience, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a cozy café in Islington.

Looking for More Guides?

Like I said, Islington is a massive area full of great restaurants, cafes, bars, and a bunch of things to do and places to see! Check out our other guides, we’ve got you covered on how to navigate this lively neighbourhood!

And of course, there’s no better combination for brunch than good food and laughs, so head on over to our comedy club! Throw in a bottomless brunch option with great cocktails and comedy shows performed by comedians who have more awards than I can count, then you’ve got a memorable night ahead of you!

FAQ

Q: What are some popular spots in Islington to get a boozy brunch?

A: If you’re looking for a boozy brunch, some popular spots in Islington include the cafes in Camden Passage and Caravan.

Q: Are there any recommended cafés in Islington for brunch?

A: Yes, you can check out the cafés in Camden Passage and the ones around Exmouth Market for a delightful brunch experience.

Q: What makes Camden Passage a popular brunch spot in Islington?

A: Camden Passage is popular for brunch in Islington due to its charming cafés and the variety of delicious offerings, such as jalapeño cornbread and baked eggs.

Q: Can I find bottomless brunch in Islington?

A: Yes, you can find bottomless brunch in Islington at certain spots, including some of the popular cafes in the area.

Q: How can I discover the ultimate brunch spots in Islington?

A: To discover the ultimate brunch spots in Islington, you can explore the cafes in Camden Passage, Caravan, and the bustling scene around Exmouth Market.